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1889. NEW ZEALAND.

Presented to the House of Representatives, and ordered to be printed.

ORDER OF REFERENCE. Extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives. Tuesday, 25th June, 1889. Ordered, " That a Public Petitions M to Z Committee, consisting of ten members, be appointed, to consider all petitions that may be referred to it by the Petitions Classification Committee, to classify and prepare abstracts of such petitions, in such form and manner as shall appear to it best suited to convey to this House all requisite information regarding their contents, and to report the same from time to time to this House, and to have power to report its opinions and observations thereupon to this House; also to have power to call for persons and papers ; three to be a quorum ; the Committee to consist of Mr. Anderson, Mr. Bruce, Mr. Buxton, Mr. Grimmond, Mr. Humphreys, Mr. Joyce, Mr. T. Thompson, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Ward, and the mover."—(Hon. Mr. Fergus.)

Nos. 12 and 33.—Petition of the North Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. The petitioners pray for certain amendments in the Hospital and Charitable Aid Acts. 1 am directed to report that, as there is a Bill before the House dealing with the subject-matter of these petitions, in the opinion, of the Committee they should be referred to Government. 4th July, 1889.

No. 72. —Petition of Emma E. Packe and Others. The petitioners (in the name and on behalf of the Women's Christian Temperance Union of NewZealand) pray that the Contagious Diseases Act may be repealed. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petition should be referred to the Government, as it deals with a matter of public policy. 10th July, 1889.

Nos. 4 and 5. —Petition of Edwaed Mueeell and Others and E. McDougall and Others. The petitioners, residents in the electoral district of Wakatipu, pray that a Commission may be appointed to inquire into the proceedings of an inquest on a fire at Tarras, Otago. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, these petitions should be referred to the Government for consideration. 10th July, 1889.

No. 98.—Petition of the United Fibe Brigades' Association. The petitioners state that they frequently render valuable services to the Government in protecting public buildings from fire, &c. They apply for assistance. I am directed to report that, as this question has already been dealt with by the House, the Committee has no recommendation to make. 10th July, 1889.

No. 51.—Petition of Charles O'Malley, of Christchurch. The petitioner prays for an inquiry into his case, and that he may be granted compensation for loss of office. I am directed to report that, in the opinion of the Committee, the petitioner has no claim against the colony. 10th July, 1889.

No. 126.-« Petition of James Peat and Others, of Patea. The petitioners support a Bill constituting the Waverley County. I am directed to report that, as this Bill is now before the Local Bills Committee, this petition should be referred to that Committee. 10th July, 1889. I—l. 2.

REPORTS OF PUBLIC PETITIONS M TO Z COMMITTEE, (ME. T. THOMPSON, CHAIRMAN.)